What is human development ? Discuss the importance and measurement of Gross National Happiness Index.
In short
Human development is the expansion of people's choices and capabilities in health, education and living standards, while Bhutan's Gross National Happiness index widens this to cultural, spiritual, ecological and governance well-being. Built in 2008, the GNH index measures nine domains through 33 indicators.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 279 words
Human Development Index1 (HDI)
Since 1990, HDI by UNDP measures longevity, education, and income, serving as a global benchmark including India. It highlights the expansion of people’s choices and capabilities beyond income alone.
Gross National Happiness2 (GNH)
Bhutan’s GNH index adds cultural, spiritual, and governance dimensions to development, emphasizing environmental conservation and ethical values. It broadens the development paradigm by integrating material and non-material well-being.
Complementary Indices
India also uses indices like the Good Governance Index (GGI) and Panchayat Development Index (PDI) to assess governance quality and local development, providing a more nuanced understanding of human development outcomes.
Governance and Local Indices
India’s Good Governance Index (GGI) and Panchayat Development Index (PDI) assess state and local governance, complementing HDI for a fuller human development picture.
Measurement Challenges
HDI’s limitations in capturing inequality and deprivation have led to the use of complementary measures like the Gender Development Index and multidimensional poverty indices, crucial for targeted policies in states such as Andhra Pradesh.
Data and Community Empowerment
Strengthen disaggregated data collection in states like Andhra Pradesh and empower local bodies via PDI for targeted human development interventions.
This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.
Practise this question
1Get the answer sheet
Sized for this question.
2Write your answer
Timed, by hand.
3Get it marked
Your score and what to fix.
This chapter in the exam
Inclusive Growth: India and AP schemes49 questions
Asked in 8 of 8 sittings since 2008
Most tested: Women empowerment and poverty reduction through AP welfare and credit-linked institutions
- 2025Elaborate on the meaning of Inclusive Growth in the context of the Indian economy. Discuss the key strategies and instruments that can be employed to foster greater inclusion and ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach all sections of society.
- 2025Critically Examine the major poverty alleviation and employment generation programmes in India. How effective have they been in addressing rural and urban poverty?
All 49 questions, sorted by sub-topic, with model answers and practice.
Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2017 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.